Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola saw his side return to the top of the Premier League on Wednesday night, as goals from Aymeric Laporte and Gabriel Jesus ensured all three points went to the Citizens.
Though City displayed few characteristics of a typical Guardiola side in midweek, the result meant the Sky Blues are the first to reach 20 wins in the Premier League this season and have put the ball back in Liverpool's court ahead of this weekend's crop of fixtures.
With City set to play five more games before the end of the month, Guardiola was quick to highlight the importance of Wednesday's win and has hailed his team's mentality amid their recent hectic run.
PEP It was a good game and to score in the last minute of the first half helped us a lot.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 6, 2019
In the second half they pushed more, and they made it more difficult for us but we did it.#EVEMCI #mancity pic.twitter.com/yr403YCw2D
“Goodison Park is always so tough and in general I am so satisfied,” Guardiola told City's official website.
“During the last three months every three days it has been game, game, game.
“We could have gone seven points behind a few days ago... now we are first.
“We have one more game than Liverpool and if they win we are not top.
It's never easy at Goodison Park. But we're taking all points with us! #CmonCity #EVEMCI @mancity @premierleague pic.twitter.com/fOlA2WFUXU
— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) February 6, 2019
“Now we have an incredible test next Sunday without much time to prepare, then the Champions League starts again. It’s non-stop.”
Man City's next test comes in the shape of a Chelsea side who have got the better of Guardiola's men once already this term. In the dress rehearsal of this month's Carabao Cup final, City will look to remain on top of the pile, albeit it being on account of their superior goal difference.
Source : 90min